natural world in motion
by Bristol-based videographer Henry Kirkwood
I’m a wildlife cinematographer crafting conservation-led story driven films that bring the natural world to life for broadcasters, NGOs, environmental organisations, and branded content rooted in environmental themes.
In recent years, I have operated as a lead cinematographer on blue-chip wildlife sequences for landmark BBC Natural History series, as well as acting as director of photography and primary cinematographer on conservation documentaries filmed across the UK, Sweden, and France - blending character-led storytelling with scientific accuracy and immersive visuals.
My experience also extends to developing and pitching original storyboards to the growing sector of conservation-focused branded content. In a rapidly evolving production landscape, I’m comfortable moving fluidly between the roles of director, cinematographer, producer, and editor, adapting to the needs of each individual project as a freelance one-man-band capable of delivering the whole project from start to finish.
Recent Work
For Winterwatch 2025, I shot and produced an archive-led sequence centred on my dad, Rupert Kirkwood, better known as “The Lone Kayaker.” The piece explores his solo wildlife encounters along the Devon and Cornwall coastline, with a particular focus on the extraordinary moments when Atlantic bluefin tuna were feeding right beside his kayak.
Overall Winner of Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 for my short film ‘Lord of the Skies’ in the video category! The sequence followed a pair of peregrine falcons nesting close to my home in Bristol and their struggles to raise their four recently hatched chicks.
For a sequence exploring the remarkable return of Atlantic bluefin tuna to UK waters after a 70-year absence, I worked as both a guide and camera operator for Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles. In addition to my on-site work, I also supplied archive material that was incorporated into the final edit (click image for link to video).
Films
This intimate footage of mother and newborn calf is thought to be the youngest Risso's dolphin ever filmed in the wild. The calf still shows sign of its foetal folds - those gentle creases along its body from being curled up in the womb, whilst its dorsal fin is yet to stiffen.
Atlantic bluefin tuna, Devon. These ocean giants sometimes come charging in just metres from the shore. Reaching up to 8 feet in length and tipping the scales at over 600kg, they’re fast, powerful, and not shy about making a splash when there’s garfish on the menu!
Two adult peregrine falcons hunt down pigeon, Bristol, UK, in epic 45 second dogfight. Although last year I finally managed the capture a peregrine catching a pigeon mid-air in a much closer sequence (a personal triumph), this was incredible to watch & film.
Photos from the field
For a sequence featured in Springwatch 2025, I filmed one-day-old goosander chicks riding on their mother’s back as she navigated a fast-flowing river. Using a long lens from a concealed riverside position, I captured these chicks fishing for themselves.
I filmed a dramatic sequence of Atlantic bluefin tuna hunting garfish off the coast of South Devon for a landmark BBC Natural History Documentary, set to air in October 2025. Using my own professional filming equipment, I captured the explosive surface strikes.
I’m currently producing a self-funded one-hour documentary on a pair of peregrine falcons I’ve been closely following near my home in Bristol. The project captures their intimate life cycle through the seasons, from territorial displays to the fledging of their young.
Britain’s Wild Water
Over the last couple of years, Dad (a.k.a, The Lone Kayaker) & I have had some incredible wildlife adventures.
Wild World of Water follows wildlife filmmaker, Henry Kirkwood and his veterinary surgeon and lifelong, self-confessed ‘nature nut’ father, Rupert, on their remarkable and unique kayaking adventures and discoveries all around the UK waters.
Wild World of Water is an original, light-hearted, engaging, father-son three-part series, a blend of Rupert's extensive, wildlife knowledge with Henry's remarkable ‘spotting’ and filming skills. It is a celebration of the biodiversity of the UK’s wildlife with astonishing and often very moving material whilst depicting the multitude of human-related threats faced by the animals they are observing.
